Abstract: An assembly and method for using weather sensors with enhanced modular capability is disclosed. The weather sensor assembly generally comprises a cap module, middle module, and a base module, where the cap module, middle module(s) and the base module are stacked adjacently to provide environmental sealing, weather sensing, and electrical connectivity to the weather sensor assembly. One or more ring mechanisms may be included that interlock the cap module, middle module(s), base module to form the weather sensor assembly into an integrated unit. Moreover, the ring mechanisms enable further modules to be added to the weather sensor assembly for additional capabilities. By doing so, each of the modules in the weather sensor assembly may be independent units that can be removed, reordered, swapped, and added for desired sensing modalities and environments.

Abstract: An assembly and method for using weather sensors with enhanced modular capability is disclosed. The weather sensor assembly generally comprises a cap module, middle module, and a base module, where the cap module, middle module(s) and the base module are stacked adjacently to provide environmental sealing, weather sensing, and electrical connectivity to the weather sensor assembly. One or more ring mechanisms may be included that interlock the cap module, middle module(s), base module to form the weather sensor assembly into an integrated unit. Moreover, the ring mechanisms enable further modules to be added to the weather sensor assembly for additional capabilities. By doing so, each of the modules in the weather sensor assembly may be independent units that can be removed, reordered, swapped, and added for desired sensing modalities and environments.

Abstract: An assembly and method for using weather sensors with enhanced modular capability is disclosed. The weather sensor assembly generally comprises a cap module, middle module, and a base module, where the cap module, middle module(s) and the base module are stacked adjacently to provide environmental sealing, weather sensing, and electrical connectivity to the weather sensor assembly. One or more ring mechanisms may be included that interlock the cap module, middle module(s), base module to form the weather sensor assembly into an integrated unit. Moreover, the ring mechanisms enable further modules to be added to the weather sensor assembly for additional capabilities. By doing so, each of the modules in the weather sensor assembly may be independent units that can be removed, reordered, swapped, and added for desired sensing modalities and environments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accurate measurement and transmission of water level parameters during weather events, such as floods, are provided. The solid-state system can effectively measure water level without utilizing moving parts, pumps, or floats and may implement an improved water level determination method that compensates for inherent sources of error. Additionally, the system may be comprised of a network of sensor units that can communicate weather measurements wirelessly via a hybrid mesh network consisting variously of wireless terrestrial radio, cellular, and satellite communication links. By doing so, the status of water level and other environmental parameters may be reported in real time to first responders and emergency planners.

Abstract: An assembly and method for using weather sensors with enhanced modular capability is disclosed. The weather sensor assembly generally comprises a cap module, middle module, and a base module, where the cap module, middle module(s) and the base module are stacked adjacently to provide environmental sealing, weather sensing, and electrical connectivity to the weather sensor assembly. One or more ring mechanisms may be included that interlock the cap module, middle module(s), base module to form the weather sensor assembly into an integrated unit. Moreover, the ring mechanisms enable further modules to be added to the weather sensor assembly for additional capabilities. By doing so, each of the modules in the weather sensor assembly may be independent units that can be removed, reordered, swapped, and added for desired sensing modalities and environments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accurate measurement and transmission of water level parameters during weather events, such as floods, are provided. The solid-state system can effectively measure water level without utilizing moving parts, pumps, or floats and may implement an improved water level determination method that compensates for inherent sources of error. Additionally, the system may be comprised of a network of sensor units that can communicate weather measurements wirelessly via a hybrid mesh network consisting variously of wireless terrestrial radio, cellular, and satellite communication links. By doing so, the status of water level and other environmental parameters may be reported in real time to first responders and emergency planners.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the suitability of a sample of mammalian semen for cooling and/or cryopreservation or storage, which comprises: (a) providing said sample of semen; (b) determining the level of a hydrophobic stimulator of 11?-HSD activity in said sample; and (c) assessing, from the level of 11?-HSD stimulator determined, the suitability of the semen sample for cooling and/or cryopreservation or storage. The present invention also provides a method of obtaining a hydrophobic product that improves the tolerance of mammalian semen to cooling and/or cryopreservation or storage, a method of improving the survival rate of sperm intended for cooling and/or cryopreservation or storage and a method of performing an assisted conception/reproductive procedure comprising contacting an oocyte with sperm obtained by a method according to the present invention.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for controlling chlorogenic acid synthesis by manipulation of hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HQT) genes. Isolated nucleic acids encoding HQT and methods for their use are provided. Preferred embodiments are the nucleotide sequences which encode the polypeptide sequences of FIG. 3 (sequences of FIG. 7). Also provided are variant sequences (e.g. alleles and orthologues) and complementary sequences, plus vectors, host cells and plants. Methods of the invention include the use of nucleic acids to express or down-regulate HQT in plant cells and plants. The methods may be used to alter one or more characteristics in a plant e.g. texture, flavour and antioxidant properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assays (and kits) for predicting the chances of success of pregnancy using in vitro fertilisation (IVF) by determining the level of a modulator of 11&bgr;-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11&bgr;-HSD) in a biological sample taken from a human female, for example in the environment of an oocyte, e.g. follicular fluid or granulosa cells. The amount of modulator (e.g. inhibitor) can be determined by reference to its effect on 11&bgr;-HSD activity and administration of a modulator (e.g. an 11&bgr;-HSD inhibitor) may increase the likelihood of pregnancy while 11&bgr;-HSD agonists may be potential contraceptive agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for predicting the outcome of IVF which comprises:(i) determining the level of 11.beta.-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11.beta.-HSD) in a biological sample from a female patient; and(ii) predicting from the level of 11.beta.-HSD determined the probability of establishing pregnancy in said subject by IVF.It has been found that there is an inverse correlation between the levels of 11.beta.-HSD in the environment of the oocyte and subsequent establishment of pregnancy by IVF. The present invention also provides methods of screening female subjects for their suitability to take part in IVF programs, and kits to use in determining levels of 11.beta.-HSD.